Stadium Anthems

Stadium Anthems takes a familiar subject - the state and fate of the Western music recording industry - and updates the analysis with an original creative vision, a searing tone and a #MeToo heart at its core. The film offers a commentary on both old and new forces at play: the hedonism of the largely male music gods tending to their "sexual ecosystem"; the auto-cue that facilitates mediocre artists; seductions of sensationalist culture; disruptive technology and online music streaming that confronts industry players with cheaper and wider competition; and the eternal struggle between 'commerce' and 'art'.

The script's visceral tone suggests a highly personal take on the development of the mainstream music industry. Indeed, a wonderful surprise at end-credits reveals that writer-director Scott Douglas Brown and the cast variously penned and performed the many original songs in the film; this is film that comes from the inside out.

The film's pulse, then, is vibrant, and also urgent. To the unprepared viewer, the quirky Stadium Anthems at first glance seems open to accusations of trying too hard on gags, but is in fact a sincere and intelligently designed story. Such is the gripping pace and plot craft that smartphone distractions need not apply. There are a couple of unexpected shapeshifter characters who at film's end delivers Stadium Anthems' own vision of hope for art and the music industry...in heartwarming fashion. Go give this film a good long chance.

At face value, this is a film that pokes fun at the music business. But there really is so much more depth to it. There's some great music, but the real meat of the film is its philosophical exploration of whether commercial art and music actually have a value. Definitely something to ponder between the laughs.

Beautiful cinematography, top notch production all around. Writer/Director Scott Brown has crafted a masterpiece of satire about the music industry for which I knew little about honestly going in. Stellar cast maintains a consistent tone throughout. The soundtracks are quite good. I love the interviews doc style. It's so clever without being campy or too goofy. While this is a type of mockumentary, I'm sure a lot of it hits home as to the real problems facing the music industry and creative artists in general. Huge thumbs up all around for this studio quality indie. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This hilarious satire pulls no punches, but it isn't raunchy or "shocking" just for the sake of being raunchy or shocking. It always has a point to make. It's ultimately a thoughtful look at the world today, particularly in regards to the music industry (which it lampoons beautifully). Filled with wonderful original music and engaging characters, STADIUM ANTHEMS is entertaining throughout and extremely well crafted top to bottom.

It's not too often that you see a comedy that is THIS raunchy and THIS clever, and Stadium Anthems has pulled it off. This wild dark comedy brings both really clever dialogue and its fair share of sex jokes, which I personally found to be a hilarious combination. Dark comedies may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those that enjoy the genre, I think they will appreciate Stadium Anthems as I particularly liked this sendup of the music industry. The topic of the music industry grappling with change, particularly in the current digital/post-Napster age, is ripe for satire and Stadium Anthems is the first film I've seen that really takes on the subject. If you like clever, raunchy comedies, I highly recommend Stadium Anthems!